First Tree - Organic Fertilizer?

[Chisai Ki]

Hello! I am new to this forum. I have a single Fukien Tea bonsai and need some help selecting the correct fertilizer. The tree is a few years old and is potted in a soil mixture of 50% organic soil/coir/worm castings and 50% pumice/decomposed granite/coarse sand.

I did a search of the forum and did not find an answer to this question. I am leaning towards a liquid fertilizer, but would prefer an organic one if possible. What do you suggest? Would another type of fertilizer work better?

Thank you!

 

[Michael P]

The most common mistake people make with fertilizer is not using it often enough. Your soil has a high percentage of organic material, so it will retain nutrients a little longer than a mostly inorganic soil.

I will speak heresy! Use whatever kind of fertilizer you like and is convenient for you. Follow normal directions but just remember to use it often enough. Nothing else matters very much.

 

[Chisai Ki]

Would succulent fertilizer work, too? I have this one hand - Espoma Its 1-2-2.

 

[Shibui]

I am leaning towards a liquid fertilizer, but would prefer an organic one if possible.

Have you consulted the tree on whether it prefers organic? In my experience they don't care where their nutrients come from but if you are determined to go organic there's no real problem. You should be able to find plenty of options. Just try to pick something that has a full range of nutrients in it. We frequently see cases of nutrient deficiency because some so called 'organic' ferts don't have the complete spectrum of micro-nutrients.

Fertiliser recommendations on a bonsai forum are like potting soil recommendations. Everyone has their own favorite and will claim theirs is much better than all the others. Obviously that can't be correct or only a few of us would still have healthy trees.

Also beware of 'greenwashing' some companies claim organic credentials but still use synthetics to round out the product to give a better range of nutrients.
My advice has always been don't rely on just one fertiliser. Alternate between several different sorts because that gives a better chance of a full range of nutrients.

You have not given a location so it's hard to name brands because many are only available in one country.

 

[Chisai Ki]

I apologize, I live in the US. I am not super bent on having to use only organic fertilizer. Just thought I'd try if possible. What is a good range of NPK to look for in a fertilizer? I have read all sorts of things on the web from very low to high, some say less nitrogen, some say more... This particular fertilizer seems popular on Amazon Superthrive Bonsai Pro.

I appreciate all of the help!

 

[Chisai Ki]

Here's a picture of the soil. There's a lot of non-organic stuff in it, but like stated above, I did put a decent amount of organic material in as well.

 

[Gabler]

I apologize, I live in the US. I am not super bent on having to use only organic fertilizer. Just thought I'd try if possible. What is a good range of NPK to look for in a fertilizer? I have read all sorts of things on the web from very low to high, some say less nitrogen, some say more... This particular fertilizer seems popular on Amazon Superthrive Bonsai Pro.

I appreciate all of the help!

It doesn't matter whether the number is high or low. You just use more of it if the numbers are low. What matters is the ratio. You'll want roughly 3:1:2 N:K. You need more nitrogen the phosphorus or potassium.

 

[Gabler]

How do I keep the P from turning into a ?

 

[Chisai Ki]

Man, this is complicated stuff as I tend to need specifics like a baker - 1 cup of this, 4 ounces of that, bake at 350 for 15 minutes.... Throw a couple of your favorite fertilizers my way and that would help greatly! Thank you!

 

[Gabler]

Miracle grow is a good one. So is Osmocote. I've also used Holly Tone while using town water in order to bring down the pH.

 

[rockm]

Man, this is complicated stuff as I tend to need specifics like a baker - 1 cup of this, 4 ounces of that, bake at 350 for 15 minutes.... Throw a couple of your favorite fertilizers my way and that would help greatly! Thank you!

It's as complicated as you want to make it. Plain old Miracle grow full strength every couple of weeks will sustain the plant. Liquid prepped ferts act are taken up more quickly than organics, which have to be broken down by soil microbes in some cases. Organics also aren't as strong as prepped liquid ferts so it takes more of it to get similar results.

I've used whatever prepped ferts are on sale (NPK IS NPK the plant doesn't care where it comes from). I also supplement the liquids with some organics as well, depending on development of the tree--trees under development need more "fuel" to push new growth while older developed trees don't.